Do you believe in fate, human kindness, joining together in times of need. I believe this story will help us renew our beliefs.
Super Storm Sandy occurred October 22nd through November 2nd 2012, hitting New Jersey on October 28th. In preparation for the storm my wife and I were evacuated and were able to stay with our daughter. I will never forget the first two weeks following the storm.
I became a grandfather during the week following the storm. A momentous and wonderful experience but at the time, of great concern, we were without power. We were using a generator for electricity and fireplace for heat, but as fate would have it, the hospital electricity was restored the day before my grand daughter was born, while I stood on line to get gasoline for the generator in the only open station for miles around.
There is nothing more upsetting than returning home to discover your home has been severely damaged by flooding. That first look, as you peer under the partially open garage door, to view the devastation of all your belongings waterlogged and strewn over the floor was overwhelming. Three feet of water had flooded through the first floor of the house. What do you do and how fast can you recover? So many questions, so much anxiety, but as fate would have it, through my neighbors kindness, provided me with a great builder. We were able to return home and live upstairs during the renovation just three weeks later.
The Beach Club’s Miracle Box
After restoring my home and replacing my woodworking equipment, in the spring of 2013, I received a call asking me if I was Charles Filippone. I replied yes, and asked who was calling, how did he get my name and find me. He explained that he found a box in his backyard which had a plaque on it with my name. He explained that he lived on the Shrewsbury River on the opposite shore from Sea Bright. As I questioned him further, I realized that he was describing a box I had made for the beach club my wife and I belong to, and that the wave action that leveled the club had washed the box onto his property. A box I had been asked to make to provide organization for the club’s front entry counter. The owner had attached a plaque thanking me for the box. I was struck by the kindness and spirit of working together this man demonstrated.
After I was given the box I called the beach club owner, relating this amazing story. A gift thought to be destroyed and lost forever, miraculously, found and recovered. I was able to restore the box and return it to the owner. He now uses it as a personal keepsake box on his desk at the club.
I also made another box to match the new decor of the club which is hung on the wall for display and storage of CD’s.
CTFWoodDesigns 